Code Zero sets sail

The Velux 5 Oceans' Japanese competitor Kojiro Shiraishi embarks on qualifier

Kojiro (‘Koji’) Shiraishi, the sole Japanese entry in the Velux 5 Oceans is currently making last minute preparations before setting off on his 2,000 nautical mile qualifying passage enabling him to be eligible for the race. Koji and his team have spent the last two months based in Normandy, where they took delivery of Koji’s new Finot-designed Open 60, Spirit of Yukoh, from Dominique Wavre (the ex- Temenos). The boat was re-launched at the beginning of June in a traditionally colourful Japanese boat naming ceremony. Koji has since been enjoying getting to know his boat and developing his systems while sail and boat testing in the Atlantic. In the run up to his final preparations before the start of the Velux 5 Oceans in Bilbao, this October, Koji must now undertake his qualifying passage before the end of September.

Koji and his crew are expected to arrive in the Cape Verde Islands, just off West Africa, on Friday, 21 July, from France. From Cape Verde, Koji plans to set sail on his single-handed qualifying passage to Cherbourg, France, on Monday, 24 July, and hopes to arrive in France around two weeks later.

This is the second time that Koji has entered the historical round the world yacht race, having finished fourth in the 2002-2003 edition in Class 2